Neutrogena Sheer has sunblocks especially formulated for the face, and another for the body. The one for the body offers 100 SPF, and I was pleasantly surprised since I thought what I have been using Armada Sport 70, is high enough at 70 SPF. Though as to wearability, Neutrogena Sheer’s formulation is thicker. I still prefer Armada because it glides on my skin.

Anti-aging properties and organic ingredients are also on my list when I look for sunblocks. And to prevent UV damage and stave off photo-aging look no further than Dermalogica  and L’Occitane brands. Dermalogica has formulated a fragrance-free sunblock with its patented ChromaWhite system to prevent hyperpigmentation and shield the skin against damaging UV rays. Dermalogica Oil Free Matte Block inhibits oil production yet glides on skin and acts like an invisible sunscreen.

L’Occitane’s Buriti, on the other hand, is made with organic vegetable oil from the palm-tree Buriti, a magical sun-care ingredient with concentrated antioxidant beta-carotene that prevents photo-aging.

Clarins also has a topnotch line that features Sunscreen Cream High Protection SPF 30 as well as the After Sun Gel to soothe, re-hydrate and even prolong your summer tan.  If you happen to have stayed under the sun longer than necessary and got sunburned, Clarins SOS Sunburn Butter has shea butter and mango to soothe and repair skin. A less expensive option would be Nivea’s Soothing After Sun Spray which I used during the summer months, when the sun was so harsh on the skin. 

Sisley also has its own line of suncare. Sisley’s Grand Ecran Solaire Visage facial sunscreens come in porcelain, colorless and low-protection facial sun care. Sisley’s Body Sun Oil also effectively protects the skin, while the Fluid Body Sunscreen provides high skin protection.
Global makeup brands have also introduced sunprotection in their range of products through the years. I love Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizers until I shifted to Olay Complete. They offer the same sunprotection at SPF 15.

Only recently, Bobbi Brown recently came up with its own sunscreen/base. The Bobbi Brown Brightening SPF 50 UV Protective Face Base is a soothing lotion that helps shield your skin from the harmful effects of the sun with a high level of broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Lightweight and quick-absorbing, it can be layered over Brightening Moisture Cream to help prevent future damage and help maintain a radiant, even skin tone.

“I did  not pay attention to my underarms until I started taking tennis lessons and wearing tank tops to the gym. Only when someone close friends told asked me what deodorant brand I use did I start taking care of my underarms because they embarassingly dark,” says Leila, 32 year old marketing exec.

Here’s what Mylene, 18 yr old nurse recounts. “My close friends and I went to the beach and we shared about how bikini line skin can darken. We have that in common and we like to wear two-piece swimsuits and worry over how it can cause embarassing moments.”

There are areas in the body that we hardly pay attention to unless they become noticeable and, as in the case of dark underarms and dark skin in the bikini line, cause embarassment. Other problems such as excessive sweating and body odor, only close friends can tell you when you yourself don’t notice. Research say we can sometimes be immune to our own bodily odors but people who come close are sensitive to them so if a close friend tells you you smell (or stink for that matter) better believe it.

There are various ways to remedy dark underarms and groin area, but in order to avoid resorting to expensive treatments, because this happens when the problem has worsened due to neglect, try a few at-home remedies and weekly rituals.

For the underams, find a deodorant product that eliminates odors and is formulated to whiten the underarms.Some deos do not darken the armpits but provide minimal protection against body odors. Some, on the other hand, do offer maximum protection yet can be very harsh on the skin and really cause darkening.

If possible, use two kinds of deodorant depending on your daily activity — one full strength you use only when you engage in physical activities that will make you sweat a lot. Another kind that you use when you will only have to stay indoors, like in the office or to the mall.

If you’re at home , don’t use deodorant at all. The trick is to minimize use of products on your skin to allow them to breath.  It’s pretty much like going without makeup when you’re at home. Deodorants are chemicals and exposing skin to them day in and day out can cause adverse effects.If you start to smell, jump into the shower. Or, use the sink and wash your underarms and dry it with a washcloth. The soap you use can also help. Try kojic acid soap as these contain whitening agents. You may alternate with a strong anti-bacterial soap to kill odor-causing bacteria.

Underarm skin is delicated so you can use whatever facial wash you use to clean your underarms if you want. You may also use baking soda for washing. A facial wash that contains microbeads can help exfoliate skin on a daily basis. You simply don’t want deodorant residue when you go to bed at night after your shower. Apply an underarm lightening cream before you sleep at night because this really helps.

Once a week, do try using a medium strength exfoliating product to further lighten armpits. Or try this: Get a slice of lemon or calamansi and mix with milk. Apply on armpits  from 30 minutes to an hour before you take a bath in the morning. Lemon contains ascorbic acid while milk has lactic acid. These are mild and gentle acids that can counter the darkening and can also be used on the face.  You may do this  every other day if you have plenty of time to spare. Some swear by cider vinegar since it can whiten and counter excessive sweat. To save time, after application, take your coffee and read the morning paper first as I do.

Once a month, go to a dermatologist and get an underarm diamond ultrapeel to go with your monthly underarm lightening treatment.  If you have money to spare, why not also get a permanent hair removal program for the underarms since waxing and plucking darken the skin. The trick is to minimize trauma to skin bacause this is one of the causes of darkening. Same for the groin area.

Speaking of the groin area, caring for them is not difficult to do. Follow a daily and weekly ritual which includes use of whiteing soap or scrubs when you shower. Before you dress up, apply whitening lotion on the groin area before you wear underwear. Wear skirts more often and pants that are not too constricting as friction from tight clothing darkens it. At night apply whitening cream before you go to bed. At home, don’t wear underwear; or, opt for short shorts or silk pantylets that let your skin breath.

Choose underwear that has minimal or no shearing on the leg hole. Garters that rub off on the groin skin can cause darkening. Look at the fabric as well. Full cotton fabrics are best. Silk underwear is more luxurious if you can afford it.

What do we learn from all these  tips? It’s not about how expensive the stuff you put on your skin is.It’s how often you follow a ritual or care regimen is what ultimately counts. Beauty comes with a price — time and effort.

Bobbi Brown developed a cream-based brow pencil that is blendable and natural-looking. Available in five shades and comes with a built-in sharpener, these brow pencils give eyes an instant “lift.”

Clinique on the other hand developed a two-in-one automatic brow pencil/highligher to define and  optically “boost” brow arches. Pencil in brows, then use the pearlized shade of highlighter just below the brow hairs. The added contrast lifts the brows.

Smashbox, a cult favorite, improved on their two-tone brow product by adding another shade of hair color-coordinated powders to ensure a perfect match every time you apply. Here’s how to use: get a brow brush,  lightly dip into brow powder and brush through brows using short, upward strokes. Apply the lighter shade first in the fullest part of brows to naturally fill brows in, then apply the darker shade to define the outer part of brow. To customize the shade, simply mix together and brush-blend. Follow with wax, applying in the same motion to set the color and makes it long-lasting.

To prevent UV damage and stave off photo aging look no further than Dermalogica  and L’Occitane brands. Dermalogica has formulated a fragrance-free sunblock with its patented ChromaWhite system to prevent hyperpigmentation and shield the skin against damaging UV rays. Dermalogica Oil Free Matte Block inhibits oil production with an invisible sunscreen and promotes skin health.

L’Occitane’s Buriti, on the other hand, is made with organic vegetable oil from the palm-tree Buriti, a magical sun-care ingredient with concentrated antioxidant beta-carotene that prevents photo-aging.

Sisley’s Grand Ecran Solaire Visage facial sunscreens come in porcelain, colorless and low-protection facial sun care. Sisley’s Body Sun Oil also effectively protects the skin, while the Fluid Body Sunscreen provides high skin protection.

Clarins also has a topnotch line that features Sunscreen Cream High Protection SPF 30 as well as the After Sun Gel to soothe, re-hydrate and even prolong your summer tan.  For sunburn remedy, SOS Sunburn Butter has shea butter and mango to soothe and repair skin.

Facial Care Center takes the pain out of bikini waxing and gives you the confidence to strut your stuff under the hot summer sun with its Laserlight program for the bikini area.

Two options: grade 1 cleans up the area only around the bikini area while grade 2 lets you go all the way — the total Brazilian.

According to consultant Anne Abrio most of their clients opt for the former. “They don’t want to be totally hair-free permanently “down there” since our Laserlight program is very effective.” 

I had to ask since I wonder about the other hair removal programs from other outfits, one billboard for instance along EDSA, that says you enroll in their program and you get unlimited hair removal treatments, which means, you need to go back every so often.

I’m not out to promote FCC or anything but it so happens that I am satisfied with the result. I got package of 8 treatments for my underarms and its been two months after my 7th visit. So far I see only two or three strands that will be zapped away into oblivion as soon as I find the time to book an appointment. Unless, of course, I got pregnant, which, for some women who have undergone permanent hair removal, means hair regrowth because of the surge of hormones, explains Anne. For this you may need booster treatments done a few months after delivering the baby.

As to darkening in the bikini area, Anne says the causes are just about the same as the reasons why underarms darken — trauma to the skin due to waxing and friction when you wear tight undergarments or jeans. These places, even if they are not directly exposed to the sun, can really darken and cause so much embarassment that most would shy away from wearing tubes, bustiers, sleeveless tops and swimsuits, the very things that most women would want to wear not only in the summer but all year long, being the fashion staples that they are.

So do yourself a favor and get hair free permanently.

Little wonder then that Shu Uemura, the Japanese makeup brand, developed a purifying/clarifying line that is its answer to combination/oily skin concerns. Called PuRenovate, it is Uemura’s ultimate solution to reduce the appearance of pores and counter excess shine, mattifying the skin’s texture to make it smoother and refined. Owing to the plant’s water retaining abilities, the line also acts as a hydrating and toning agent that gives keeps skin moisturized and refreshed. The line, consists of a  Balancing Moisturizer, Intense Pore Perfecting Solution and a clarifying Lotion.

How to use: After cleansing face, apply clarifying lotion and follow up with pore perfecting solution in pearl-sized amount applied evenly on the entire face. Layer on the balancing moisturizer last. Can be applied over makeup to reduce the appearance of a shiny T-zone.

The Body Shop has its own line using water lily extracts as well. For those who enjoy fresh and floral fragrances, the  Aqua Lily range consists of a perfume oil, eau de toilette (see pic), a body spray and body lotion.
Fragrance notes include a delicate and refreshing blend of fruits extracts (green apple, watermelon) and herbal extracts (dewy bamboo, tangerine, pink pepper, muguet, lily, rose, violet, reseda, cedarwood and musk). Perfect as a summer scent.

To use, after cleansing and toning, dab the cream delicately on the upper and lower eye area. To ensure that all the product is absorbed, start out with a thin sliver and blend until no striping occurs, especially in the eyelid creases. For evenings, eye creams are best followed with serum and night cream; for day, follow up with a tinted moisturizer with SPF, or use it together with a non-Retinol serum as a makeup base.

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Concentrate does its work as you sleep at night. The non-acnegenic formula, applied after cleansing and toning and before moisturizer, removes damage from the day’s skin stress. A follow-up application in the morning sets you up with a strong dose of protection against environmental damage and free radicals, which, as studies have shown, cause 80% of premature skin aging; while providing a steady flow hydration to the skin via its infusion of hyaluronic acid.

 Artistry Time Defiance Lifting Eye Crème has active ingredients (a highly effective mix of buckwheat, Vitamin A, citrus extracts, green algae, caffeine, licorice and their wonder drug, the DermaCell Exchange) that lift, smooth, de-puff, firm, brighten and get rid of undereye circles—all while providing the old reliables of moisturization and line reduction. Sagging is reduced with continued use, and with it virtually disappearing under makeup with almost no scent whatsoever, everything was that much easier and gentler to use.

 Avon ANEW Clinical Eye Lift has been formulated to offer a triple lift to the upper eye, under eye and brow bone and promises less puffiness after just a week and better clarity and skin under the eye area after a month.

 Bobbi Brown EXTRA Eye Repair Cream is a rich, concentrated cream packed with peptides, natural plant oils and humectants that target fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles, puffiness and dryness around the eyes. Use morning and night – warm between fingers, then pat gently around eye area. Once cream is absorbed, follow with Corrector and Creamy Concealer.

Murad Renewing Eye Cream combats the triple threat to the eye area such as puffiness, crow’s feet and dark circles. Its primary benefits include increased elasticity and firmness around the eyes.

The Body Shop Vitamin E eye cream reduces the appearance of fine lines, puffiness and dark circles while protecting the delicate skin around your eyes. Vitamin E is a nourishing natural antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals, moisturizes and helps to protect against premature aging and environmental impurities.Also includes shea butter and rose hip oil, which are rich in essential fatty acids to help repair skin’s moisture barrier and Algae extract to revitalize skin.

Skin Brighteners are designed to lighten the pigment of the skin, removing discoloration, dark spots, and other dark blemishes. If you have acne scars or other troublesome spots that make your skin look blotchy and uneven,include brighteners in your daily skin or makeup routine.

Brighteners usually come in serum form and because serums are water-based thus, easily absorbed into the skin. They also deliver anti-aging ingredients into the skin in a concentrated way and can be layered under other products without interfering with them.

Evening out your skin tone is easy with a simple overnight application. After cleansing and moisturizing your face, apply a thin layer of the serum; you should start to see a difference in about 2-3 weeks.

A key ingredient in skin brighteners is Vitamin C, along with other ingredient such as  hydroquinone, Alpha hydroxyl acids (AHAs), kojic acid, Vitamin E and licorice.

Here are some of the latest skin brighteners in the market today:

In addition to salicylic acid (to exfoliate skin’s top layers), Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Corrector contains vitamins C and E as well as ferulic acid, all of which fight pigment-encouraging free radicals, plus a mushroom extract to minimize dark spots. Perfect for all skin types.

Clarins MultiActive Skin Renewal Serum restores brightness, softness and a healthy glow to the skin with its cocktail of Nopal flower extract along with Phytosphingosine, a patented technology that promotes cell renewal and the absorption of collagen into the skin. Apply morning or evening, before your usual day or night moisturizer.

Shu Uemura White Recovery Pure Vitamin C Intense Brightening Serum is an intense brightening serum that contains a combination of pure Vitamin C, prune extract, sakura leaf in its signature deepsea water to counter pigmentation and whiten the skin and reduce spots. Works best when used along with the line’s cleansing oil and brightening cream.

Bobbi Brown Brightening Intensive Serum is part of the makeup brand’s latest brightening skincare line. Layer this highly concentrated serum over Brightening Hydrating Lotion morning and night. Its Vitamin C Complex along with a unique botanical blend of grape, Mulberry and Scutellaria helps diminish the appearance of dark spots. Included in the reknowned makeup’s brightening line are the Brightening face base  SPF 50 and the spot corrector SPF 25.

Murad’s Environmental Shield line contains a potent cocktail of Vitamin C and plant extracts along with its patented cellular water that help restore, renew and protect skin against environmental aging due to sun damage and other stressors. The line includes a cleanser and toner, lightening gel, day moisturizer with SPF 30 and night cream.

Smashbox High Definition Healthy FX Foundation SPF 15 comes in a special formulation that makes skin healthy from the inside out because of its moisturizing and lifting benefits to the skin. It has a  time-released moisturizer that lasts all day as well as Vitamin C and antioxidants to nourish skin and provide sun  protection all day, everyday. It is oil-free and comes in 13 shades.

Christian Dior Capture Totale High-Definition Serum Foundation not only contains optical correctors and liquid crystal pigments, but it also contains anti-aging ingredients and an SPF 15.  Its patented formula of  Alpha-Longoza™ complex, combined with Centuline, helps to deeply correct visible signs of aging.  The result?  Visibly smoother, firmer and more luminous skin that is supple because of  its hydrating properties. Best applied after the  Capture Totale skincare routine. Available in 8 shades.

Makeup naturally needs to adjust under these high res conditions and makeup brands have come up with liquids and bases that contain light reflectors and powders that are pounded into molecular proportions for that seamless look. The result? Fine lines, veins and blemishes that can be picked up and magnified using ordinary makeup are things of the past.

These new generation of makeup will make you close-up perfect anytime of the day…

Created by Dany Sanz in 1984 in response to the growing demand by professional makeup artists around the world for a makeup brand that is especially made for the stage and the fashion industry, Makeup Forever is the innovator of the HD makeup range.

Makeup Forever HD Foundation

Made of ultrafine granules that create an invisible, natural looking, very long-lasting makeup, the HD range creates a soft-focus effect and restores the complexion’s radiance while giving the face an invisible seamless look under the very exacting glare of cameras and kleiglights. It’s not just for moviestars but also great for mature skin because it gives skin a flawless finish.

The HD range consists of an elixir/serum applied on the skin 15 minutes before makeup application to prep and hydrate the skin, a primer for long-lasting hold,a concealer pen, liquid foundation available in 25 shades and lastly, a microfinishing powder in one universal shade that softens the skin and gives a lighter, natural effect (see Makeup Forever HD range)

Revlon PhotoReady Makeup

The range consists of a liquid foundation with SPF 20, a translucent finisher to set the makeup and provide a luminous finish, and a compact powder with SPF 14 for touch-ups that can also be worn alone or over foundation (see video review).